Monday, December 06, 2010

Come, Let us Adore Him

One night last week, God began speaking an idea to my heart and not for a long way off but for the next morning! He reminded me of our evening of creative worship last December and I wanted to recreate that in a new way this year.

As I was planning in my head and figuring out exactly what we should be doing - I realized that going to a lot of trouble and doing things like this is one of the ways I worship. It is worship for me to add beauty, blessing and memories to our lives.

I just can't seem to get it out of me - no matter how it does not simplify my life to make homemade cinnamon rolls and set up a fun breakfast for my children. I try to make simpler choices - but some of the moments in life that I feel most alive are moments like these that involve a big idea.

This idea was His and that spurred me on even more.

After my children went to bed, I moved the dining room table into the living room and set it to look inviting and cozy. I snipped a few holly leaves/berries, set out some candles and a little nativity set they are allowed to play with.

Incidentally, this little nativity set has been one of the best things I have bought for Christmas in the past few years. My children love hearing the story and opening each of the little boxes and they love even more just setting it up over and over and over again.

I got things set up and had the cinnamon rolls ready to bake and tucked into the fridge for the night. As I cozied up in bed with my Bible and my calendar for the next day - I wondered how exactly I should lead the morning? I knew God wanted us to spend a special morning together and to involve worship - but how to do enough without cluttering it up with too much?

All this time, I had been praying and asking God what He would have us to do. And, as I sat there with my Bible - He gently guided my thoughts.

We started with a yummy breakfast - oh, it was really nice! Everything was so cozy and so inviting and special. This kind of beauty really does something to me - it is just what I need and love and enjoy and appreciate.

I prayed and we sang, "O Come Let Us Adore Him" - just the chorus a couple of times through. We talked about what it means to adore and then I read Luke 1:26-56 and 2:1-20. I put on some quiet piano Christmas music and passed out paper and crayons and we worshiped in art.

It stayed quiet longer this year, and we stayed at the table much longer - when do we spend an hour at the table to eat our breakfast? We usually read our Bible story, practice verses and eat and then get busy with our day. But, to linger - was very sweet and special. It was peaceful and invited a restful heart and attitude into me.

After our quiet moments, I asked them to share about their pictures. Then, there were requests for me to draw more pictures for them to color, Samuel just slowly ate and watched most of this time - he did try to color for about one minute and played with the box of crayons for a while.

After getting things cleaned up and getting on to my chores - Samuel got a hold of the nativity set and played with that for quite a while. "He's the daddy, here's the mommy..." walking the characters to and from the stable. So, so sweet.

Lord, please continue to inspire and encourage me to slow down and worship together with my children. Remind me of these precious times and don't allow me to forsake them. Thank You for this idea, for the reminder and for carrying it out so beautifully. You were here and it was very precious.

Rachel's drawing of Emily:And, her coloring in of a nativity picture I drew:

Emily's drawing of church - with us inside worshiping:

Emily said this was her Sunday School class:

And, the shepherds watching their sheep:

And, my offering - a night sky filled with stars overlooking our home.Praise, wonder, worship, glory, honor, joy and peace coming out of our home and wafting heavenward in worship to Him.Oh, may this be true of our home - of all our homes. That they would send forth praise and worship to rise higher to our God.

"Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."Luke 2:14

18 comments:

So very precious. Thank you for sharing their pictures with us! You are a wonderful mother. Keep up the good work. Your ministry today will be reaped in your grandchildren, should our Lord tarry. God bless.

Nothing is sweeter than to see our children walk in truth!! Those pictures say it all...no wonder the Bible says the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these! Love how you heed the Lord's call to make each day extraordinary and draw your family closer to Him in creative ways! Thank you for sharing! Bless your sweet sweet family!

Awesome and inspiring! And your photos capture the sweet blessings of this special time. I love what you said - "It is worship for me to add beauty, blessing and memories to our lives." And I love the symbolism of your drawing of praise rising heavenward from your home. :) Thanks for sharing! Love you, Mom

Thank you for the gentle reminder that God would like to orchestrate even the smallest details. When I slow down and listen...While I was reading this post, God spoke to me about taking a nature walk with my children. We can gather some greens and berries for cozying the corners of our home. And, talk about his magnificent creations. I will do some study to find a passage that speaks to this time as well as a hymn to offer Him praise.Thank you for following His nudging and leading me to do so, too.

Hi Jenn - I just made powdered sugar and milk icing - I did not use the coffee or even remotely follow her icing recipe! :) I'm guessing though, that you could easily replace the coffee with milk and get the same results.

How God must have loved your worship. He delights in all our worship, but the worship of children just fill His heart with joy. You will never regret these times that require you to replace a desire for simplicity with more to do. God bless you and your sweet, sweet family.

Your beautiful post blessed my heart, again... I have received so much inspiration from you in the months I have been coming here. What I especially love is your listening spirit. What a blessing you are!

Such a precious post! Thank you for encouraging us to worship with our kids. I'm really interested in the nativity set - I've been looking for something like this. I just went online to order one and wanted to let you know that they are having a sale on this item for 3 days only! Free corresponding book and CD with purchase of a nativity set at $14.84. I ordered one for our family and a couple for gifts. Thanks for the idea! ~Melody